Costs of HIV/AIDS

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A diagnosis of HIV is scary enough, before you've even considered what it may cost for treatment. There are various options to cover your treatment and frequent visits to your care provider. Many people face financial hardship as a result of an HIV diagnosis, living paycheck to paycheck dependent upon payday cash advances to get by, but there are alternatives.

One of the most common ways that your therapy can be covered is with private insurance, either provided by an employer or a family member's employer, or an individual plan that has been purchased by you. According to the rules under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for preexisting conditions, such as HIV, nor can they place a limit on your coverage for the lifetime of your plan.

If you leave your job, you may be able to keep your insurance coverage through a program called COBRA, though you will be responsible for the premiums of your plan, plus administrative fees. This generally lasts for a set period of time, usually 18 months.

You may also obtain insurance through the health insurance marketplace. Depending upon your income and household size, you may be eligible for discounts.

If you do not have insurance or your plan does not cover the costs of your treatment, there are still options for you. You can get into contact with your local HIV/AIDS organization or finding hotlines for HIV/AIDS by state and they can help you to find resources.

One of these resources may be Medicaid, which is a state and federally funded health care plan that covers individuals and families that are disabled, low income or elderly. Each state runs their own program and are required to cover certain mandatory benefits, while others choose to cover optional benefits, such as prescription drugs.

Additionally, there is a program called The Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, which works with cities, states and and local organizations to provide services to those suffering with HIV/AIDS. This program is designed for those whose coverage is insufficient in covering the costs associated with treatment.

Another option is The Health Center Program, which is comprised of over 8,000 community healthcare centers around the United States. These centers offer fees based upon your ability to pay.

Medicare is an option for those whom are 65 years or older, are disabled or are suffering from End Stage Renal Disease. Medicare covers prescriptions, outpatient care and inpatient hospital care.

There are multiple federal programs created to assist women and children to access healthcare treatments, as well. These include the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which will cover qualifying children up to age 19 and is dependent upon income, and the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant, which was created to ensure that women and children are given access to quality care.

If you are an American Indian or an Alaskan Native, you have options through Indian Health Services for coverage of treatments. Finally, if you are an eligible veteran, you may be able to receive benefits through the Veteran's Administration.